Halfway between Wilmington and Jacksonville is Hampstead, an unincorporated town in Pender County that's growing at a rapid pace. The population grew over 70% between 2010 and 2020, and people continue to move in for this coastal community’s schools, nearby beaches and proximity to larger cities. “A lot of people prefer to be close to Surf City,” says Tom Gale, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage who has also been a resident in the Wilmington area since 1994. “Hampstead is close to Jacksonville and Wilmington for employment, hospitals, shopping and whatever else people are looking for.”
Hampstead is considered a bedroom community because many residents travel out of town for work. Some military members stationed at Camp Lejune live in Hampstead and commute north to the Marine base in Jacksonville. Anyone who works in health care, manufacturing or technology often drives south to Wilmington.
Topsail Beach near Hampstead is a popular beach locals go to for a peaceful jog.
Hampstead residents who work in healthcare at Novant Health have a short commute to work.
Discover waterfront living with coastal home styles and private docks in Hampstead.
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New homes with more on the way
Craftsman and Cape Cod-style homes are concentrated to the east of U.S. Highway 17, and thick forests stretch along the west side. The median price is around $524,000, higher than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Homes with private boat docks are often the most expensive options, while more inland properties start in the $400,000s. New construction is a constant part of Hampstead life. “You’re definitely seeing the area between Jacksonville and Wilmington grow with more communities, and Hampstead is a part of that,” Gale says. “Hanover County is about 96% built out at this point, so any growth that can happen is in Hampstead and beyond.” Salters Haven still has lots available for buyers wanting custom-built homes.
Being so close to the water can pose a flood risk, primarily for homes along waterways. Hurricanes have caused flooding for homes and roads in the past, particularly Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Ian in 2022. The rainiest season often lasts from June to October, usually referred to as hurricane season on the East Coast.
Hampstead has gorgeous craftsman home styles with striking architectural detail.
Find charming Cape Cod style homes with spacious lawns in Hampstead.
Hampstead has coastal style waterside homes with private docks and access to the waterways.
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Fishing and relaxing at Topsail Beach
Residents don’t have to travel far from home to find a place to enjoy the outdoors. Surf City and Topsail Beach are roughly 13 miles north with public access to 26 miles of sandy shoreline. There’s also Hampstead Marina for boaters who want to spend a day fishing. Hampstead Kiwanis Park is popular for recreational basketball and seasonal events, like Pender County’s Easter egg hunt. Pender County recently broke ground on upgrades for the park, which will include new athletic courts, a multipurpose field and walkways.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in Hampstead. According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation's 2023 report, Pender County as a whole had a lower crime rate than the state.
Surf City and Topsail Beach near Hampstead has miles of sandy beach and easy access for residents.
Hampstead Marina is a private marina with memberships to take your boat out fishing on the waterways.
Kids love the fun playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park in Hampstead.
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Pender County Schools draw in new residents
Schools in Hampstead are a driving factor for the area. Pender County Schools gets a B-plus from Niche. South Topsail Elementary School, which gets an A-minus, is within Hampstead’s city limits, but students often bus out to Topsail to attend middle and high school. Topsail Montessori is the only private school in town, and it’s currently unrated by Niche.
Topsail Elementary School is a public school serving students in grades PK, K-4 in Hampstead.
Topsail Middle School is a public school, serves grades 5-8 in Hampstead.
Topsail High School in Hampstead is a public high school in the Pender County School District.
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Highway 17 is the main commercial hallway in town
Hampstead’s churches, restaurants and small shopping centers border Highway 17. The destinations range from locally owned restaurants that serve American classics and seafood dishes to small boutiques that neighbor grocery stores. There are more shopping centers in Wilmington, which is 15 miles south when driving down the highway.
Many residents commute to Wilmington or Jacksonville for work. “We get a lot of people who are in the military and work in Jacksonville," Gale says. "They work farther out, but they like being close to Wilmington.” Driving on Highway 17 often means dealing with heavy traffic, because Hampstead’s rapid growth has caused congestion on the main commuter route. Driving is the sole way to get around town and visit nearby cities. The Hampstead Bypass is currently under construction and aims to make commuting easier. The first half of the project is scheduled to finish in 2026, and the second half will be done around 2030.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hampstead is a place for families to worship.
Sawmill Grill in Hampstead is a popular family restaurant locals go to for great seafood.
Hampstead residents shop for all of their grocery needs at the Lowes Foods of Hampstead.
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Celebrating spot fish and community
Hampstead is known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas” for its access to waterways and the Atlantic Ocean. Spots are one of the most common types of fish in Hampstead and the town created the North Carolina Spots Festival, a two-day event filled with live music, beer gardens, performances from student bands and spot fish dinners. The festival has been a tradition since 1963.
Hampstead is well known for being the seafood capital of the Carolinas.
Hampstead is popular for its beautiful waterways and scenic beaches nearby.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Jon Puckett
Video By
Emily McNamara
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
John Blackmon,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hampstead, NC sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Hampstead, NC over the last 12 months is $495,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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BEAUTIFUL, better than new 4 bedroom, 3 bath home in sought after Villages at Olde Point! Notice the attention to detail--beautiful hard flooring throughout the main living areas and a formal dining room that impresses with a coffered ceiling and wainscoting.The open-concept kitchen features staggered-height cabinetry, granite countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a corner
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Welcome home to refined coastal living in the sought-after waterfront community of Crown Pointe, where residents enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and private pier with kayak launch--all just minutes from Sloop Point Marina and the award-winning Topsail Beaches. This stunning 3,000+ square foot brick residence where main level offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full
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The Chandler combines thoughtful design with flexible living spaces, starting at 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,483 square feet of well-appointed living space. Enjoy the ease of main-level living with a spacious primary suite on the first floor, complete with a luxurious bath, dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a generous walk-in closet. A first-floor flex room adds versatility and can be
The Bradley offers the perfect blend of style and convenience with main-level living at its core. This thoughtfully designed home starts at 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,300+ square feet of versatile living space. The primary suite, located on the first floor, boasts a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a spacious walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms on the main
VA assumable loan!! Large assumption amt @ 3.75% fixed w/ the option to get a second mortgage to cover the gap. Have your agent reach out for details, may be assumed in as little as 45 days. (Must qualify with lender for all of the above). Check out this Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully upgraded home in the highly desirable Hampstead area, zoned for the sought-after Topsail School
From lift to open ocean in under 15 minutes, this rare Intracoastal Waterway home in Hampstead, NC delivers a true turnkey boating lifestyle with features that are nearly impossible to replicate at this price point. Set across two deep-water lots, this private waterfront compound offers a protected, bulkheaded basin with a private on-site boat ramp, boat lift, floating dock, multiple boat slips,
The Highland floorplan is designed with both elegance and practicality in mind, featuring a spacious, open-concept layout that invites both relaxation and entertainment. The large kitchen flows seamlessly into the great room, offering a central hub for family gatherings and everyday activities. The primary suite is a serene retreat with a luxurious bath and generous closet space. Additional
Welcome to The Hampton, a Modern Farmhouse design, located in the desirable WyndWater community. This floor plan offers open-concept living, designer finishes, and functional spaces for today's lifestyle. The main level features a bright, open floor plan with a spacious living area anchored by a gas fireplace with custom built-in, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and kitchen, perfect for
Coastal luxury meets everyday functionality in this stunning Intracoastal Waterway retreat, offering over 4,700 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space just across the street from the water with neighborhood access. Tucked away on a quiet, private street behind Pecan Grove Plantation, this home delivers the perfect balance of privacy, flexibility, and effortless coastal living. A
Welcome to a truly versatile and thoughtfully upgraded property offering rare multi-generational living. The main residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a reimagined split floor plan designed for both connection and privacy. A dedicated den with fireplace, separated by a pocket door, provides flexible living space with the feel of private quarters. French doors lead to a screened porch
Whitebridge Crossing is an exciting, brand-new apartment-style community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Discover chic living with our selection of stylish townhomes and spacious cottages nestled in the heart of Scotts Hill. Experience boutique resort-style living at Whitebridge Crossing! With just 125 homes, we offer a more intimate, personalized living experience that sets us apart. Our
Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bath home in the great neighborhood of Sparrows Bend in Hampstead, NC, offering comfortable living and community conveniences. The main entry highlights an elegant foyer guiding you into the main living & entertaining areas of the home. The open concept is thoughtfully designed with lifestyle in mind. Family & friends have ample space to gather in the formal
Welcome to Palisades at Surf City Apartments — the pinnacle of elegant, modern living in Hampstead, North Carolina.Our thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartments showcase sophisticated interiors with upscale finishes and contemporary flair. Each home features soaring nine-foot ceilings, spacious walk-in closets, and private balconies that invite you to relax in style.Experience
Very desirable neighborhood of Saltwater Landing. Just the feeling you want if you are looking for 'low country' style homes, near the beach, sidewalks and a community pool! This is the community where kids and adults all play together...and only minutes from the gorgeous and fun beaches of Topsail Island. Large open floorplan with vaulted living room ceilings, large kitchen island with granite
Find Your Home at Hawthorne at the Bend, featuring one, two and three bedroom apartments in Hampstead, NC. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apartment for rent in Hampstead, NC? Contact our friendly, professional office staff to schedule
Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath unfurnished townhome at Olde Point Golf Course in Hampstead. Townhome offers a spacious living room, dining area, outside patio with lovely view of the course, kitchen & master suite. Vaulted ceiling, fireplace, ceiling fans, & nice floors throughout; tile foyer, laminate floors and carpet in bedrooms. Large kitchen has ample counters/cabinets, pantry, & laundry closet
Welcome to Hampstead Place, located in the seafood capital of the Carolina! Our open-concept studio and two-bedroom floor plans add a contemporary twist of comfort and style. Experience it all with home features that include refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwaves for meal preparations.All renderings and/or images used are for illustrative purposes only and are intended as a general
Discover this 3-bedroom, 2-bath unfurnished home in Hampstead, NC, offering versatile living with a bonus room ideal for a home office, play area, or media space. The property includes a 2-car garage and a fenced yard for privacy and outdoor activities. Enjoy covered outdoor living on the screened back patio, which extends the usable space for dining or relaxing. Thoughtfully designed for
Introducing Hawthorne at Hampstead, a brand-new luxury community in Hampstead, North Carolina. Choose from our 1, 2, 3, or 4- bedroom apartments and cottage homes , featuring designer finishes and no detail left untouched. Youll also have access to top-of-the-line resort-style amenities and a prime location. Sign up today to receive progress and leasing updates for this brand-new community!
Discover this unfurnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Hampstead, NC featuring a thoughtfully designed split floor plan and open living areas that create an inviting flow. Ceiling fans throughout help enhance comfort, and the primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet for convenient storage. The layout balances shared and private spaces, making it well-suited for a variety of lifestyles. Located in
ASK ABOUT OUR ALTERNATIVE SECURITY DEPOSIT OPTIONS!Gorgeous home in a beautiful neighborhood! This spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom single-family home in Hampstead features: Keyless Locks, Smart Thermostat, Primary Suite, Stone Countertops, Open Concept Layout, Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups, Covered Backyard Patio, and Two-Car Garage. Kairos Living has no pet restrictions and is happy to provide
This end unit townhome offer three spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a beautiful sun room! You will find natural light filling this home with large windows and skylights! Move in ready! Just wait until you see the amount of cabinets in the kitchen! *** This property does not allow pets due to HOA ***
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